Northland Adventure

After breakfast, we’ll board a water taxi to the other side of the Hokianga Harbour to walk the sand dunes at Te Pouahi Reserve. We’ll take some sandboards along too, for those who’re keen to take the fast route down! More than 1000 years ago, Maori warrior chief Kupe and his people were the first to arrive in New Zealand, landing on the shores of Hokianga Harbour. The area was also one of the first points of Maori and European contact. With our sandboarding fix satisfied, we'll head east to the Treaty Grounds at Waitangi and hike along the bush-clad banks of the Waitangi River to Haruru Falls. The journey features a boardwalk section which provides an opportunity to pass through the interior of a mature mangrove forest, and we know we'll be approaching the end of the walk as we'll hear the thundering roar of the Falls. Later, we’ll head to the Jewel of the Bay of Islands, Paihia, a bustling seaside town with golden sand beaches.

Kingsgate Auto Lodge, Paihia (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Hiking: 12 kilometers (7.5 mile), 5 hours, elevation +/- 20 meters (65 feet)

This morning, we’ll take a water taxi from Paihia out to Deep Water Cove for a ridgeline hike to Cape Brett through the Manawahuna Scenic Reserve. On route, you’ll experience the Bay of Islands from the ridge tops and get magnificent views. This is a 3-4 hour hike with rewarding views of the Bay of Islands the entire way - you may even see dolphins and seals from your vantage point high up on the cliffs. The mountains that we’re crossing are very important to the local Iwi (Maori tribe). The mountain “Rakaumangamanga” is one point of the Polynesian Triangle - Hawaii and Rapanui are the other 2. If you’re not feeling up to the hike, have a chat to our guides and they can arrange an alternative boat trip around the Bay of Islands. Later, we’ll be picked up at Cape Brett, again by water taxi for the scenic cruise back to Paihia.

Pacific Rendezvous Motel or Ocean Resort Hotel, Tutukaka (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Hiking: 5 kilometers (3 miles), 3 hours, elevation +/- 473 meters (1,550 feet)

After breakfast, we’ll head out for an early morning walk before boarding a purpose-built boat for a cruise to the Poor Knights Islands. This small cluster of islets is home to a wealth of biodiversity both above and below the water. While you head across from the mainland, keep your eyes peeled for flocks of petrels, shearwaters, and gannets – many of these shorebirds nest almost exclusively on the islands you’ll be visiting. The Poor Knights is the second oldest marine reserve in New Zealand, and the sub-tropical environment is now an important conservation area for many species of marine life. Whales, dolphins, and orca can often be spotted, as well as a myriad of fish species that constantly trawl the reserve. You’ll visit the world’s largest sea cave, and hear all about the islands’ history including their occupation by ancient Maori. Our guides will then give you the chance to explore under your own steam, by providing you with either a snorkel and mask or a kayak.

Pacific Rendezvous Motel or Ocean Resort Hotel, Tutukaka (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Notes: If you’re a keen scuba diver, there’s an option to upgrade to diving for an additional fee, including all the necessary gear. This option must be pre-arranged. This option must be reserved at time of booking only.

This morning, we’ll follow the coastal road as it winds its way south alongside tree-lined white sand beaches to Waipu, a quaint village with a strong Scottish heritage dating back to the 1850s. Then we’ll make our way to Mangawhai Heads for one of the finest coastal cliff-top walks in the country. The walk offers glorious views of the Northland coastline, passing through shady bush and beneath giant old pohutukawa trees, and then returns along the beach. After lunch, we’ll continue south from Mangawhai Heads towards the city of Auckland, when we'll wish you farewell.

No accommodation (Breakfast, Lunch)

Hiking: 5 kilometers (3 miles), 3 hours, elevation +/- 40 meters (130 feet)